Time presses our decision without delay

[This was my urgent message to the Senate and House of Representatives on October 21, 1803, regarding the acquisition of the Louisiana territory from France. Acquiring Louisiana would ensure our future national security since conflict with France and Spain would be inevitable due to our interests in the West, especially the Mississippi River. And we’d accomplish this without firing a single shot. I’d prefer we amend the Constitution, however, I was informed of Napoleon Bonaparte’s later feelings of seller’s remorse, so we needed to act expeditiously. The Senate had approved the Louisiana Purchase Treaty just a day before this message, and the House approved funding of $11 million with a 90-to-25 vote four days later on October 25, 1803.]

In my communication to you of the 17th instant I informed you that conventions had been entered into with the Government of France for the cession of Louisiana to the United States. These, with the advice and consent of the Senate, having now been ratified and my ratification exchanged for that of the First Consul of France in due form, they are communicated to you for consideration in your legislative capacity. You will observe that some important conditions can not be carried into execution but with the aid of the Legislature, and that time presses a decision on them without delay.

The ulterior provisions, also suggested in the same communication, for the occupation and government of the country will call for early attention. Such information relative to its government as time and distance have permitted me to obtain will be ready to be laid before you within a few days; but as permanent arrangements for this object may require time and deliberation, it is for your consideration whether you will not forthwith make such temporary provisions for the preservation in the meanwhile of order and tranquillity in the country as the case may require.